City Council

JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 A regular meeting of the Council of the City of Norwich was held July 6, 2015 at 7:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present: Aldermen Desaulniers, Noblick, Eyberse, Bettencourt, Nash and Mayor Hinchey. Ald. Wilson was absent due to work. Acting City Manager Bilda and Corporation Counsel Michael Driscoll were also in attendance. Mayor Hinchey presided. Ald. Bettencourt read the opening prayer and President Pro Tem Desaulniers led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Speech by Marvaloose Guerrier, an NFA student on The Importance of Leadership. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Joe East from the Zoning Board of Appeal with regret and thanking him for his service. Upon a motion of Ald. Eyberse, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to accept the letter from the Chairman of the Community Center Exploration Committee asking for an extension regarding the recommendations. Motion by Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash to grant the 3 month extension and the committee to report back to the Council on or before October 5, 2015. Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to accept the letter from the Chairman of the Norwich Recreation Advisory Board asking for an extension regarding the recommendations. Motion by Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash to grant the 3 month extension and the committee to report back to the Council on or before October 5, 2015. Acting City Manager John Bilda gave his report as followed: City Manager’s Report Date: July 6, 2015 Major Pending Items Blue=On-going Grey=Verbal report Green=Completed City-wide/City Manager: Tasks/Topics Staff Responsible Comments/Update City Leadership Team Meetings CM On-going-Meetings scheduled for 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month First one held 3/10/15 CM/Fire Chief Meetings CM/Kerri Kemp On-going. Bi-weekly meetings scheduled Quarterly City Hall Union Employee- CM/ HR Director On-going Management review team 1  JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 Grant Proposal Task Force CM/Gary/Peter To develop a strategy that ensures that D./Barry/Mayor/ grant proposals focus on achieving Jason V. outcomes associated with the strategic plan 4/13/15 Initial meeting held Wagsys Implementation Sandra Kutcha/Gary On schedule to be implemented mid-June Eagle Scout Project-Taylor Stevens Jill/Rec 7/1/15 Plans submitted to building/zoning-awaiting permit Staff safety training planning CM/ Chief Planning for safety /evacuation training of Fusaro/Chief Scand/ employees at all sites Barry/ Bob S./Jill Training to be scheduled August 2015 Phone System Replacement Leon/Josh Atrion awarded contract-start date 6/7/15 Community Center Exploration CM/Jill Council Res. 2014-10-06 CM office to Committee provide support Final report due to Council by July, 2015 2015-07-06 Res. to extend report due date to 10/5/15 Completed: Tasks/Topics Staff Responsible Comments/Update 2015 Neighborhood Assistance CM/Jill 6/26/15 Approved applications submitted to Act State Fountain Street Developer CM/Committee 2015-02-15 Res. directs committee to monitor Agreement progress and report to Council in August 2015 105-122 Chestnut Street CM/Committee 03/02/15 Res auth Committee to oversee and Developer Agreement report to Council by first mtg of August 2015 EPA-Shipping St/Chestnut Petroleum & 12/2014 Application submitted St/Ponemah Mills- $400,000 hazardous Application unsuccessful substance Debrief requested-date TBD assessment Grants: Department/Grant Entity-Purpose- Tasks/Topics Comments/Update Amount DSS-Senior Center-$690,000 Renovations-roofing, 9/2014-awarded. Project is 60% Project Manager-Patrick McLaughlin HVAC, flooring, painting, complete-est. Fall 2015 parking lot completion DECD-Uncas Leap-$270,000 Environmental 1/23/15 Grant awarded Project Manager-Jeanne Kurasz assessment & testing Contract negotiations for work underway DECD-Shipping St/Terminal Way- Environmental 4/17/14 Grant Awarded $200,000 assessments 6/11/15 reviewing assessment Project Manager-Peter Davis/Gary Evans results with consultant 2  JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 DECD Historic Restoration Fund-City Hall- Flooring 3/3/15 Agreement signed $90,000 repair/replacement Work scheduled to begin mid- Project Manager-Pat McLaughlin summer 2015, completion Fall 2015 DECD-26 Shipping St-$200,000 Assessment/remediation 4/14/15 Application submitted 5/20/15 DECD interview DECD-Howard Brown Park-$1,200,000 Replace fishing docks 3/2015 Application submitted Department Initiatives: Department/Grant Entity-Purpose- Tasks/Topics Comments/Update Amount Public Works Automated garbage Program implemented and pick-up underway Community Development 5 Year Priority Plan The City of Norwich Office of Community Development is required to complete a five year plan to outline the most pressing Community Development priorities facing Norwich and its residents for the upcoming period 2015 – 2019. Draft plan was available for viewing 5/25/2015. Public hearing held 6/1/15 To be completed and approved by Council by the first meeting in July Recreation On-line program Working on plan for both registration software Rec/Senior center City Clerk’s Office-State Library grant- Convert paper land 2/27/15 agreement signed $4000 records to electronic Work to begin after 7/1/15 Finance Develop interim Will begin working on this in financial reporting August 2015 format Human Resources Civic Plus HR-Enable on- 7/7/15 Start-up meeting line HR functions 3 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 Public Works Streets/Bridges Projects: Grant Entity-Purpose-Amount Tasks/Topics Comments/Update DOT-Sherman St Bridge-$5,400,000 Replace both Awarded in 2012 Project manager-Ellison/McLaughlin bridges at In engineering phase with intersection of construction anticipated to begin Sherman & 2017-18 Asylum Streets DOT-Sunnyside Bridge Historic Awarded in 2014 Project manager-Ellison/McLaughlin restoration of Construction anticipated to begin stone 2016-17 masonry bridge DOT – Pleasant Street Bridge -$1,134,400 Bridge deck Awarded in 2014 Project manager-Ellison/McLaughlin replacement Construction anticipated to begin 2016-17 DOT – Connecticut Avenue-$685,200 Repave CT Awarded in 2014 Project manager-McLaughlin Ave from W. Construction anticipated to begin this Town St. to summer Wisconsin Ave. 4  JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 Property Disposition by Resolution: Tasks/Topics Staff Responsible Comments/Update 13 ½-15 Town Street CM/Corp Counsel Council Res. 2015-07-06 List 5 Belval St, 20 Hunters CM/Corp. Counsel Council res. 2015-05-04 List w/agent Rd Ext, 82 Old Division 6/19/15 List agreements signed St 20R Julian St CM/Corp Counsel Council Res. 2015-05-04 List w/agent On hold pending Corp. Counsel review 130 Prospect Street CM/Bill H./Barry E./Jim T. Demo contract awarded 6/4/15, in State notification period 4/9/15- List agreement signed, need Res. to list 34 Lake Street CM/Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Enter into listing agreement to sell 4/9/15 List agreement signed 100 Broad Street #103 CM/Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Enter into listing agreement to sell 4/9/15 List Agreement signed Price reduced 221-223 Laurel Hill Ave CM/Corp Counsel Resolution to list and to approve sale on 7/6/15 agenda 13 Baltic Street CM/Corp. Counsel Council Res. 2015-02-02 Enter into listing agreement to sell Bank foreclosing-not listing at this time 59-61 School Street Committee Council Res. 2015-02-02 Issue developer RFP. 3 responses rec’d on 5/21/15. Developers interviewed at 6/17/15 Committee special meeting-Committee to report recommendation to Council Mayor Hinchey called for citizen comment. Marvin Serruto, 100 Starr St asked that the Heritage Trail continue. Cathy Zeiner, 241 Main St, Executive Director of Safe Futures, requested approval of their CBDG application of $5000 for funding to prevent domestic violence. She thanked the Council for the past support and stated they now have a full time Norwich office. Sharron Heddle, Disabilities of Eastern CT, stated this program supports people with disabilities enabling them to become more independent by providing stair lifts in their homes. She asked that their request be approved. 5 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 David Crabb, 47 Prospect St, stated he is opposed to resolutions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 stating that they are incomplete. He talked about how the Charter outlines the sale of property. He felt resolution #9 needed an exhibit. Janelle Hooker, Janelle Hooker represented Our Piece of the Pie stating they work with young adults 14-24 their goal is to assist with work force development. She stated that the NFA speaker did a great job. Mayor Hinchey declared citizen comment closed. Upon a motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Bettencourt, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Acting City Manager Bilda. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is an entitlement community receiving U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars and is required to formulate a five year plan outlining the most pressing Community Development priorities facing Norwich and its residents for the upcoming period 2015 – 2019; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has received funding in the amount $796,995 for program year (PY) 2015 and an additional $40,000 has been made available through previous years’ fund balance, creating an available dollar amount of $836,995 for distribution and the City must complete an Annual Action Plan for PY 2015 as part of the Consolidated Plan process; and WHEREAS, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held public meetings and voted on their recommendations for CDBG allocations in the month of March; and WHEREAS, the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan allocation process required a 30-day comment period prior to being placed into effect and the Council of the City of Norwich was required to hold a public hearing prior to the final vote on both plans, the recommendations and the allocation; and WHEREAS, the 30-day comment period was from May 25, 2015 until June 23, 2015 and a public hearing before the Council regarding the allocation was held on June 1, 2015 at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORWICH CITY COUNCIL that the allocation sum of $836,995 in CDBG entitlement grant funds shall be allotted as follows, and that the Community Development Director is hereby directed to submit the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for the City of Norwich to HUD no later than July 17, 2015. 6 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 CDBG Requests - PY 2015 - Available $ 796,995 $ 796,995 Fund Balance from PY 2013 $ 40,000 $ 40,000 PY 2015 Allocation/Available Funding $ 796,995 $ 836,995 $ 836,995 CDAC Council PY 2015 Request Recommendation Recommendation Approved 1 CD Office - Administration $ 159,399 $ 159,399 $ 159,399 2 TVCCA - Home Again Project - Homelessness In-Place Prevention $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 3 Our Piece of the Pie - OPP in the Community $ 30,000 $ 27,486 $ 27,486 4 Norwich Community Care Team - Shelter Diversion and Rapid Re-Housing $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 5 Norwich Human Services - Norwich Works $ 42,610 $ 42,610 $ 42,610 6 Safe Futures - Norwich Domestic Violence Response Team $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 7 CT Association for Human Services - Family Economic Success Program $ 25,000 $ - $ - 8 Disabilities Network of Eastern CT -Stair Lifts $ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ 15,000 9 Norwich Housing Authority -Sunset Park Roof Replacement Phase I $ 87,500 $ 87,500 $ 87,500 10 CD Office - Property Rehab $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 11 CD Office - Demolition $ 150,000 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 Total Public Service $ 152,610 $ 125,096 $ 125,096 Total Other $ 552,500 $ 552,500 $ 552,500 CD Administration $ 159,399 $ 159,399 $ 159,399 Total Requests $ 864,509 $ 836,995 $ 836,995 Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by President Pro Tem Desaulniers, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by President Pro Tem Desaulniers, Ald. Noblick and Eyberse. BE IT RESOLVED that the below named be appointed as a regular member of the Commission for the Disabled with a term to expire on March 16, 2017 or until a successor is appointed: George Chaput (D) Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich directed the issuance of Request for Proposals No. 13-05 seeking the services of qualified property managers and/or real estate brokers to help maintain and to market various properties acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors d/b/a Allyn and Associates LLC, Hyde Park Landscaping and Robin Keator, acting together, replied to the Request, were selected to provide such services, and have entered into Agreement with Respect to Maintenance and Disposition of Certain Properties Owned or Acquired by the City of Norwich; and 7 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has acquired the property at map 118, block 2, lot 2 known as 221-223 Laurel Hill Avenue, through foreclosure by sale by bidding the amount owed in back taxes of $21,640, taking title on April 24, 2015; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has acquired the property at map 131, block 2, lot 54 known as 22 Woodland Drive through a Tax Collector’s real estate sale in the amount of $1,685.88, taking title on June 30, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of said properties by negotiated sales using the services of Allyn and Associates Realtors. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that, Acting City Manager John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into Real Estate Listing Agreements satisfactory to him and the corporation counsel with Allyn and Associates Realtors and to offer to sell 221-223 Laurel Hill Avenue and 22 Woodland Drive at a price recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors reserving to the Council of the City of Norwich the right to approve the price and final terms of any Purchase and Sales Agreement. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has acquired the property at 13½ - 15 Town Street, Norwich, map 68, block 1, lot 55, through tax foreclosure; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of said properties by a negotiated sale using the services of Allyn and Associates Realtors. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that Acting City Manager John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into a Real Estate Listing Agreement satisfactory to him and the corporation counsel with Allyn and Associates Realtors and to offer to sell 13 ½-15 Town Street at a price recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors and on terms satisfactory to Acting City Manager Bilda; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH, that any offer to purchase any of the listed properties recommended to the City by Allyn and Associates Realtors be presented to the Council for its consideration and approval, or modification, prior to the execution of any Purchase and Sales Agreement. 8 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich directed the issuance of Request for Proposals No. 13-05 seeking the services of qualified property managers and/or real estate brokers to help maintain and to market various properties acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors d/b/a Allyn and Associates LLC, Hyde Park Landscaping and Robin Keator, acting together, replied to the Request, were selected to provide such services, and have entered into an Agreement with Respect to Maintenance and Disposition of Certain Properties Owned or Acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich acquired the property described as map 131, block 2, lot 54 known as 22 Woodland Drive, through the sale by the Tax Collector of real estate for taxes in the amount of $1,685.88 taking title on June 30, 2014; and WHEREAS, by resolution proposed and adopted on July 6, 2015, the Council of the City of Norwich authorized and directed the City Manager on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into a Real Estate Listing Agreement satisfactory to him and the corporation counsel with Allyn and Associates Realtors and to offer to sell 22 Woodland Drive, at a price recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors; and WHEREAS, a prospective buyer has signed and submitted a Purchase and Sales Agreement dated June 3, 2015 to Allyn and Associates Realtors offering to purchase the property for $4,500, which price Allyn and Associates Realtors recommends. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Acting City Manager, John Bilda, be and hereby is authorized and directed to accept, execute, and deliver the Purchase and Sales Agreement between the buyer Joseph Drea and the City of Norwich and upon payment of such sum subject to standard adjustments to the City of Norwich to execute and deliver a deed of conveyance together with such other letters or documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms of the Agreement executed by the buyers on June 3, 2015 for the property known as 22 Woodland Drive, Norwich. FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the sale to the buyer Joseph Drea shall include terms requiring him to merge the titles of the properties known as 22 Woodland Drive with the abutting land known as 20 Woodland Drive, map 131, block 2, lot 53. Upon a motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Ald. Noblick. 9 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich directed the issuance of Request for Proposals No. 13-05 seeking the services of qualified property managers and/or real estate brokers to help maintain and to market various properties acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, Allyn and Associates Realtors d/b/a Allyn and Associates LLC, Hyde Park Landscaping and Robin Keator, acting together, replied to the Request, were selected to provide such services, and have entered into an Agreement with Respect to Maintenance and Disposition of Certain Properties Owned or Acquired by the City of Norwich; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has acquired the property at map 118, block 2, lot 2 known as 221-223 Laurel Hill Avenue, through foreclosure by sale by bidding the amount owed in back taxes of $21,640, taking title on April 24, 2015; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich determined it to be in the best interest of the City of Norwich to attempt to dispose of said property by a negotiated sale using the services of Allyn and Associates Realtors; and WHEREAS, by resolution proposed and adopted July 6, 2015, the Council of the City of Norwich authorized and directed the City Manager on behalf of the City of Norwich to enter into a Real Estate Listing Agreement satisfactory to him and the corporation counsel with Allyn and Associates Realtors and to offer to sell 221-223 Laurel Hill Avenue, Norwich at a price recommended by Allyn and Associates Realtors; and WHEREAS, prospective buyers signed and submitted a Purchase and Sales Agreement dated June 3, 2015 to Allyn and Associates Realtors offering to purchase the property for $5,000, which price Allyn and Associates Realtors recommends. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Acting City Manager, John Bilda, be and hereby is authorized and directed to accept, execute, and deliver the Purchase and Sales Agreement between the buyer Brent A. Devine and the City of Norwich and upon payment of such sum subject to standard adjustments to the City of Norwich to execute and deliver a quitclaim deed of conveyance together with such other letters or documents as are necessary to complete the transfer of title in keeping with the terms of the Agreement executed by the buyers on June 3, 2015 for the property known as 221-223 Laurel Hill Avenue, Norwich, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the quitclaim deed of conveyance of the property conveyed shall be subject to the rights to maintain a sewer as recorded August 13, 1971 in Volume 367 at Page 60 of the Norwich Land Records, an easement dated October 29, 1991 and recorded November 11, 1991 in Volume 1063 at Page 263 of the Norwich Land Records, and further subject to any other interests of the City of Norwich that as of record appear. 10 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to send a referral to the Commission on the City Plan and continue this resolution at the August 3, 2015 Council meeting introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the Dime Bank is the owner of certain property identified as map 102, block 2, lot 39 and known as 68 Broadway which it formerly used for parking; and WHEREAS, the Dime Bank has discontinued its use of the lot and has offered to sell it to the City of Norwich for $22,500; and WHEREAS, the lot consists of approximately 3,500 square feet and is bounded on the east by Broadway and on the west by Church Street; and WHEREAS, the building located to the north of this lot is owned by the City of Norwich and used by its Department of Human Services; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that acquiring the lot to be used for parking will assist the Department of Human Services and those making use of its services, is likely to increase the value of the adjoining city owned property and can make available additional parking in the lower Broadway area. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Acting City Manager John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into a Purchase and Sales Agreement with the Dime Bank to acquire said property at a price of $22,500 together with standard adjustments, said Purchase and Sales Agreement containing such other terms and conditions including a closing date as are satisfactory to him with funds from the 2013-14 Mayor’s Economic Development Capital Account (account 10214-81000, $20,000) and 2014-15 Capital Contingency budget (account 10215-88000, $2,500). Upon a motion of Ald. Bettencourt, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted to send a referral to the Commission on the City Plan and continue this resolution at the August 3, 2015 Council meeting introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, Paula Maddaloni of Chaplin, Connecticut is the owner of certain property identified as 232 Yantic Street a description of which is attached to this resolution as Schedule A; and WHEREAS, Paula Maddaloni acquired this property in April of 2015 by a strict foreclosure; and WHEREAS, said property was appraised on January 5, 2015 in connection with the foreclosure and assigned an estimated fair market value of $48,000, $15,000 attributable to the site $33,000 to improvements; and WHEREAS, the City of Norwich owns a land locked piece of property identified as map 84, block 1, block 42 located west of said property; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Norwich finds that acquiring the property at 232 Yantic Street will provide the City with access to both parcels and make them available for use in connection with the Development of the Uncas Leap area; and WHEREAS, the City has received a $270,000 grant from the Department of Economic and Community Development of the State of Connecticut to be used in connection with the Uncas Leap area development. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Acting City Manager John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed to enter into a Purchase and Sales 11 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 Agreement with Paula Maddaloni to acquire said property at a price of $48,000 subject to standard adjustments including payment to the city of taxes, interests and lien fees calculated through and due as of June 30, 2015 only; said Purchase and Sales Agreement to allow for the Commission on the City Plan review and a closing date and such other terms and conditions as are satisfactory to him, with funds from this 2014-2015 Capital Contingency budget (account 10215-88000). Upon a motion of Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted to adopt the following resolution introduced by Mayor Hinchey. WHEREAS, the City of Norwich is acquiring the property at 31 New London Turnpike, Norwich, Connecticut, specifically referenced in the deed recorded at Volume 1200, page 30 of the Norwich Land Records, pursuant to funding from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Section 404 of the Stafford Act, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, identified as FEMA–DR-1904-CT-2R, for the purpose of restricting the use of the land to open space in perpetuity in order to protect and preserve natural flood plain values; WHEREAS, the City of Norwich has been awarded a corresponding sub-grant by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, State of Connecticut, for the property at 31 New London Turnpike, Norwich, Connecticut for the purpose of restricting the use of the land to open space in perpetuity in order to protect and preserve natural flood plain values; WHEREAS, in consideration for receiving federal funding from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and the corresponding Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection/Department of Energy and Environmental Protection sub-grant for State of Connecticut funding, the City of Norwich is required to execute certain documents for the acquisition of 31 New London Turnpike; 12 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Acting City Manager John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the City of Norwich a Conservation Easement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for financial assistance to acquire a permanent interest in land known as 31 New London Turnpike, referenced in the deed recorded at Volume 1200, page 30 of the Norwich Land Records, and to manage said land as open space land pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Public Law 93-288, as amended. NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Acting City Manager John Bilda be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute on behalf of the City of Norwich a Grant Agreement and Conservation and Public Recreation Easement and Agreement under the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to acquire a permanent interest in land known as 31 New London Turnpike, Volume 1200, page 30 of the Norwich Land Records, and to manage said land as open space land pursuant to Section 7- 131d of the Connecticut General Statutes. Upon motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted, to set a public hearing, second reading and action on July 20, 2015 at 6:30 pm for the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Hinchey. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 1707 TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMMISSION ESTABLISHED THEREIN WHEREAS, Ordinance 1707 was adopted by the Council of the City of Norwich on October 20, 2014 and established a Commission for the Disabled; and WHEREAS, said Commission has met, organized, is in the process of adopting by-laws and has suggested to the Council of the City of Norwich that its title be changed to a Commission for Persons with Disabilities as the new title will better represent the goals of the Commission to help people who have disabilities and experience disabilities. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that Ordinance 1707 be amended to change the name of the Commission for the Disabled to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and to change the text of said Ordinance as further set forth in the following: AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION FOR THE DISABLED PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that the Code of Ordinances of the City of Norwich be amended by adding Article VII to Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances to include sections to be numbered 2-88 through 2-93 to read as follows: 13 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 ARTICLE VII. COMMISSION FOR THE DISABLED PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Sec. 2-88. Purpose. It is the purpose of this article to establish a Commission to advise the mayor and the Council of the City of Norwich of the needs of persons with disabilities within the Norwich community with relation to housing, employment, transportation, economics, health, recreation and other relevant matters consistent with the duties enumerated in Sec. 2-91. The Commission shall, in addition, recommend to the mayor and Council ways in which programs and services offered by the City of Norwich may be made more accessible to persons with disabilities and in which obstacles hindering employment and enjoyment of programs and services may be eliminated. Sec. 2-89. Created; members. The Norwich Commission for the Disabled Persons with Disabilities is hereby created and shall have its principal office in City Hall, Norwich, Connecticut, or such other place as may be designated, and shall consist of nine members; to include four members who are persons with disabilities, two members who are relatives of one or more persons with disabilities or who regularly work with or provide services to one or more persons with disabilities, and three additional members. Members of the Commission, who all must be electors of the City of Norwich, shall be appointed by the Council, and shall serve for a term of 2 years, or until their successors shall be duly appointed. Sec. 2-90. Definitions. Unless the context requires otherwise, Commission means the Norwich Commission for the Disabled Persons with Disabilities Disability means any condition or characteristic that renders a person a “person with disabilities” as defined below. Person with disabilities means any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of such an impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment. As used herein: (a) Physical or mental impairment means (1) any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory; including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or (2) any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. This term includes, but is not limited to, however, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, drug addiction and alcoholism. (b) Major life activities means functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. 14 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 (c) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. (d) Is regarded as having an impairment means (1) has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities, but that is treated by the commission as constituting such a limitation; or (2) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment. Sec. 2-91. Powers and Duties. The Norwich Commission for the Disabled Persons with Disabilities is hereby empowered to exercise all the duties as an advisory body consistent with its purpose as stated in Sec. 2-88 and as further set forth in this section. The duties of the Norwich Commission for the Disabled Persons with Disabilities shall be as follows: (a) To continuously study and analyze the needs of residents with disabilities in Norwich in order to maintain innovative approaches to their changing needs. (b) To foster understanding and respect for persons with disabilities. (c) To encourage participation of residents with disabilities in all aspects of community life. (d) To exchange information and cooperate with organizations in surrounding towns, and at the state and national level, as appropriate, in furtherance of its purpose, powers, and duties. (e) To advise the mayor and city council of the needs of persons with disabilities within the Norwich community with relation to housing, employment, transportation, economics, health, recreation and other relevant matters. (f) To report to the Mayor and Council on a regular basis including the filing of a written annual report on or before the first meeting of the Council in February of each year commencing in February, 2016 and continuing annually thereafter. Sec. 2-92 No Compensation. The members of the commission shall serve without compensation. Sec. 2-93 Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective ten days (10) days after publication in a newspaper having a substantial circulation within the City of Norwich. Upon motion of Ald. Eyberse, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted, to refer to Commission on the City Plan set a public hearing, second reading and action on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm for the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Hinchey. 15 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A, ZONING, CHAPTERS 1-20 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NORWICH CONCERNING REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE USE OF LAND AND THE USE AND LOCATION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE HEIGHT AND BULK OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES AND DETERMINING THE AREA OF YARDS, COURTS AND OTHER PLACES SURROUNDING THEM; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DENSITY OF POPULATION; DIVIDING THE CITY OF NORWICH FOR SUCH PURPOSES; ADOPTING MAPS OF SAID CITY SHOWING THE BOUNDARIES AND THE CLASSIFICATION OF SUCH DISTRICTS; AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT: Chapters 1-20 of Appendix A, Zoning, are amended to read as follows: Copies are available for inspection upon request at the Planning and Neighborhood Services Department, 23 Union Street; the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 100 Broadway; as well as on the City of Norwich web site: “www.norwichct.org” under a search for “Comprehensive Plan Update Project” or by pasting the following address into the browser: http://ct-norwich.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=678. FURTHERMORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT this ordinance shall become effective ten days after publication. Upon motion of President Pro Tem Desaulniers, seconded by Ald. Nash, it was unanimously voted, to refer to Commission on the City Plan set a public hearing, second reading and action on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm for the following ordinance introduced by Mayor Hinchey. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF NORWICH ACCOMPANYING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORWICH BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF TRACTS OR PARCELS OF LAND WITHIN THE CITY OF NORWICH. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH: that the “Zoning Map of the City of Norwich” is amended as follows: Copies are available for inspection upon request at the Planning and Neighborhood Services Department, 23 Union Street; the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 100 Broadway; as well as on the City of Norwich web site: “www.norwichct.org” under a search for “Comprehensive Plan Update Project” or by pasting the following address into the browser: http://ct-norwich.civicplus.com/index.aspx?nid=678. FURTHERMORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH THAT this ordinance shall become effective ten days after publication. Upon motion of Ald. Noblick, seconded by Ald. Eyberse, it was unanimously voted, to set a public hearing, second reading and action on July 20, 2015 at 6:30 pm for the following ordinance introduced by Ald. Eyberse. 16 JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH JULY 6, 2015 AN ORDINANCE EXEMPTING SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL ACTION COUNCIL, INC. FROM THE PAYMENT OF TAXES ON CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 228 WEST TOWN STREET WHEREAS, that certain property located at 228 West Town Street, Norwich, Connecticut was purchased by Southeastern Regional Action Council, Inc. on October 24, 2014 to be used for charitable purposes; and, WHEREAS, said property since October 24, 2014 has been used for charitable purposes by Southeastern Regional Action Council, Inc.; and, WHEREAS, said property would not be tax exempt on the Grand List of October 1, 2014; and, WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute Section 12-81(b) provides that any municipality may, by ordinance, provide that the property tax exemption authorized by any of subdivisions (7-16), inclusive, of section 12-81 shall be effective as of the date of acquisition of the property to which the exemption applies and shall, in such ordinance, provide procedure for reimbursement of the tax-exempt organization for any tax paid by it for a period subsequent to said date; and, WHEREAS, Connecticut General Statute Section 12-81(7) provides that real property, owned by any corporation organized exclusively for charitable purposes and used for charitable purposes, shall be exempt from taxation; and, WHEREAS, the annual real estate taxes for 228 West Town Street is $8,799.51; and, WHEREAS, Southeastern Regional Action Council, Inc., owned the property located at 228 West Town Street for a period of 24 days on the October 1, 2014 grand list; and, WHEREAS, the daily taxes for the property located at 228 West Town Street are $24.11; and, WHEREAS, Southeastern Regional Action Council, Inc. would be required to only pay $578.64; 24 days multiplied by $24.11. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWICH that such property at 228 West Town Street be and hereby is exempted from the payment of any real estate taxes, interest or penalty due on the Grand List of October 1, 2014, for the period subsequent to October 24, 2014, or until said premises are no longer used by Southeastern Regional Action Council, Inc. for charitable purposes and Southeastern Regional Action Council, Inc. shall be required to only pay $578.64 on the Grand List of October 1, 2014. Upon motion to Ald. Nash, seconded by Ald. Noblick, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:05 pm. CITY CLERK 17